Tony Lewis gave CPJ authority, devotion over decades

Back in 1981, when CPJ was being formed and its board of
directors assembled, Tony Lewis, who died today
at age 85, was one of the first people we approached. As the author of books such
as Gideon'sTrumpet, as a widely read columnist for The New York Times, and as an outspoken defender of press freedom,
he seemed a natural choice for the board. At the time, CPJ was an idea without
money, office, or staff, but Tony at once saw the value of such an organization
and signed on. His presence on CPJ's board and masthead helped give the
organization immediate credibility; his devoted participation was invaluable as
we expanded in size and mission over the next 30 years.

Tony's input was especially important as a member of CPJ's
policy committee, helping it wrestle with such issues as who is a journalist
and how to deal with U.S. cases. It was in recognition of his position as a
clear-voiced proponent of the First Amendment and as a founding board member of
CPJ that Tony was honored with the Burton
Benjamin Award for lifetime achievement at our 2009 benefit. His
presence at both board meetings and benefits will be greatly missed.

Michael Massing is the co-founder of the Committee to Protect Journalists and a member of its board of directors. He is a former executive editor of the Columbia Journalism Review and the author of the 2004 book, Now They Tell Us, which examined press coverage of the Iraq War.